Hybrid work changed the math on office furniture. If a team shares desks, the pedestal under each desk stops being personal. People start leaving laptops, headphones and coats on chairs, or carrying everything around all day. Personal storage lockers give each person a secure spot and let desks stay clear for the next person.
This page walks through how to size a locker program, which locker styles fit which offices, and how to keep the cost down by sourcing pre-owned where you can.
Why lockers matter in a hoteling office
A clean-desk policy only works if people have somewhere to put their things. Without lockers, shared desks turn into claimed desks. A good locker setup does three jobs:
- Protects belongings so employees feel comfortable leaving items at work.
- Frees up desks so any open seat is genuinely available.
- Replaces bulky storage like pedestals and overhead bins, which can open floor space for collaboration.
For many offices, removing individual pedestals and adding a locker bank is the most visible sign that the space now supports hybrid work.
Locker styles compared
| Style | Typical use | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tall single-door | Coats, bags, laptop | Holds long items, familiar format | Lower density per wall |
| Stacked cubby (two to four high) | Laptop, bag, small personal items | High count in a small footprint | No hanging space |
| Freestanding tower | Neighborhood storage between desk zones | Can double as a space divider | Needs anchoring and clear aisles |
| Mobile locker or caddy | Items moved to a desk each day | Storage follows the person | Needs a parking area overnight |
| Charging locker | Laptops and devices | Devices charge while stored | Needs electrical planning, which our furniture pricing excludes |
How to size a locker program
- Find your peak attendance. Use badge data, desk bookings or a simple head count on your busiest days for a few weeks.
- Decide on assigned or day-use. Assigned lockers need roughly one per regular in-office employee. Day-use lockers can be sized to peak attendance plus a buffer.
- Choose the compartment size. Measure a typical bag and laptop. Many offices find a compartment that fits a backpack and a laptop sleeve covers most needs.
- Place lockers near where people work. A single bank by the entry is convenient on arrival, but neighborhood banks cut walking during the day.
- Plan for accessibility. Keep some compartments at a reachable height and leave clear floor space in front of every bank.
Lock and access options
How people open lockers affects cost, maintenance and daily frustration.
- Keyed locks: lowest cost and easy to understand. Plan for lost keys and a master key process.
- Built-in combination locks: no keys to lose. Someone needs to own resets when codes are forgotten.
- Padlock hasps: employees bring their own lock. Cheap, but inconsistent and harder to clear for day use.
- Electronic locks: PIN, badge or app access. Best for day-use programs, but more expensive and dependent on batteries or power.
When buying pre-owned, confirm the lock type and whether keys, codes or master access come with the lockers. Replacing locks can change the economics.
Sourcing lockers pre-owned
We source pre-owned furniture where possible, and lockers are no exception. Availability depends on what comes out of current decommissioning and liquidation projects, so matching quantities and finishes can take some flexibility. Every pre-owned item carries a condition grade: A like new, B very good, C good.
What to check on a used locker:
- Doors close flush and latch without force.
- Hinges are tight and not sagging.
- Locks work, with keys or codes available.
- Interiors are clean, with shelves and hooks present.
- Vent slots and corners are free of rust or dents that affect function.
- Anchoring hardware is included or easy to add.
Office Station is an independent reseller, not an authorized dealer. Manufacturer warranties generally do not transfer to pre-owned furniture, so inspect grades and photos closely.
Turn old desk storage into locker budget
Moving to hoteling often leaves you with surplus workstations, pedestals and overhead storage. That surplus can help pay for the change. Our office furniture liquidation service gives you a written net offer, calculated as the resale value of the furniture minus the cost to remove it. When the number is positive, you get paid. Use the liquidation estimator to get a first sense of value.
If you are consolidating floors or leaving a space entirely, our office decommissioning team handles removal on nights or weekends, coordinates freight elevators and docks, and returns the space broom-clean with photo documentation.
Keeping some assigned seats? Pair lockers with right-sized used office pedestals for those desks, and see our used cubicles for reconfigured neighborhoods. Space planning is free.
Estimate your surplus furniture
Frequently asked questions
How many lockers does a hybrid office need?
Start with the number of people who will be in the office on your busiest day, not your total headcount. Add a buffer for visitors and growth. If employees want to leave items overnight, you may need closer to one locker per regular in-office employee.
Should lockers be assigned or first come, first served?
Assigned lockers suit people who come in often and store items between visits. Day-use lockers suit teams that bring what they need and take it home. Many offices use a mix, with a block of assigned lockers and a block of day-use units.
Can I buy office lockers pre-owned?
Often, yes. Office Station sources pre-owned furniture where possible, and availability depends on what comes out of current projects. When the quantity or lock type you need is not available used, we can talk through other options.
What lock type is best for office lockers?
It depends on how you manage access. Keyed locks are simple but keys go missing. Combination locks remove keys but need a reset process. Electronic locks add flexibility for day use and can be managed centrally, though they cost more and need power or batteries.
Do warranties transfer on pre-owned lockers?
Generally no. Office Station is an independent reseller, not an authorized dealer, and manufacturer warranties usually do not transfer to pre-owned furniture. Condition grades and a careful inspection help you buy with confidence.
